A female dog (called a "bitch") goes into heat around every six months if she is not spayed. It is only during this time that she is receptive to mating with a male. Signs indicating heat are an enlargement of the vulva and a discharge. After heat is over, the bitch will either be pregnant or be experiencing a false pregnancy.

This can vary from one dog to the next. Typically, the heat cycle lasts around two to three weeks. The female's vulva will swell and then bleed for several days. Mating is typically done after being in heat for a good 10 days. Some females have what is called a silent heat. This occurs when a dog does not show the typical signs of being in heat but can still get pregnant. Be careful if your dog is in heat and you do not wish her to be bred. See similar questions...

A female goes into heat about twice a year. They may skip a heat cycle occasionally, but will seldom have an extra one. The cycle lasts 21 days in dogs. Cats will go into their first heat between 5-8 months. A cat will remain in heat until she is bred. Small breed dogs at about 6 months and medium breed dogs at 8 or 9 months. See similar questions...

It is best to wait until a female is out of heat before she is spayed. During the heat cycle all the blood vessels that lead to the ovaries and uterus are inflamed and this makes surgery more of a risk to the dog. A dog can be spayed if she is early pregnant. You should discuss this with a veterinarian. See similar questions...

The female dog comes into heat (estrus) about every six months, although very large breeds of dogs may cycle every 8-10 months. The heat period lasts about three weeks. See similar questions...

Early signs include a swollen vulva and a light red or bloody discharge. Often, a dog’s first heat may be "silent" and accompanied by no or minimal discharge. Male dogs are usually attracted to her, as well. See similar questions...

Females in heat will get the attention of every dog in class - male and female. Generally, all dogs behave very differently around females in heat and will be extremely distracted by her. Moreover, females in heat can leave scents behind that will distract dogs for many days forward. We ask that you leave dogs in heat at home. Under these circumstances, we'd be happy to reschedule you for the next group class or discuss private lessons at your home. See similar questions...

Is my female GSD in heat? How can I tell? Some dogs heat cycles may be shorter than average while other dogs may have longer ones. See similar questions...

Reduces your pet's desire to roam in search of a mate -- this also helps reduce the problems of free roaming animals; for example, car accidents and pet theft See similar questions...

We recommend that all mixed breed pets be spayed. Purebred animals that are not being used for breeding or for show should also be spayed. Spaying a female dog or cat involves the surgical removal of the uterus and ovaries. The primary benefit to spaying your pet is to eliminate their ability to have puppies or kittens. See similar questions...

Cats reach puberty around six months of age. A female kitten's first heat cycle will last about four to eight days and if she is not spayed or mated, she may go into heat again in another two to three weeks. A female cat's ovaries do not release eggs until she has mated, so a sexual encounter nearly always results in pregnancy. Because a full-term pregnancy is only eight to nine weeks, a healthy female is capable of producing several litters of kittens in a year. See similar questions...

Dogs reach puberty around six months of age. Your female puppy's first heat cycle will last 21 to 22 days, and she will continue to go into heat on the average of every six months, usually in the late winter and summer. See similar questions...

Females go twice a year into heat. The cycle starts at about 6-9 months of age. Dogs may skip a heat occasionally, if their mental or physical condition is weak. See similar questions...

Same as in humans, the first cycles is just the signal that your dog biological matures. It does not mean the female is ready to raise puppies. Do not breed your female before she is 1 1/2 year old. Some dog breeds like the Golden Retriever should not have puppies before 3 years of age! See similar questions...

Canine heat cycle occurs 2 times a year,and lasts for 3-4 weeks. They bleed for a week, cease for a week during their fertile period, then bleed for the last week. If you think your dog is pregnant, gestation is 63 days from time of breeding. See similar questions...

The concept works equally well with female dogs. The training manual, MarkOut? Marking is full of housebreaking information which you can apply to a female dog. The wraps however will not work as well as britches. We will be creating our own line of britches, and a training manual for housebreaking your female dog soon. See similar questions...

It is actaully better for her to NOT have a litter or heat cycle before being spayed. Spaying before the first heat cycle significantly reduces the risk of mammary cancers later in life. Although there is risk with any surgery, spaying and neutering are relatively safe and painless operations. We routinely provide all our surgical patients with medication to help them cope with pain. See similar questions...

Females, regardless of cat or dog, are spayed while males, again regardless of cat or dog, are neutered. See similar questions...

There are no real differences between male and female dogs, especially since all dogs are spayed or neutered before placement. Many people choose the sex of their dog based on their own personal experiences, because that is what they are most comfortable with. The most important factor is to find the dog that is the best match for the adoptive family. See similar questions...